OB PATIENTS

RECORDING YOUR WEIGHT

Recording your weight during pregnancy can tell your doctor if your baby is getting the nutrition it needs. You will need to measure and record your weight in pounds (lbs) using a bathroom scale. Before you record your weight, be sure to:

  • use your scale on a solid and flat surface,

  • make sure your scale is zeroed before weighing yourself (the scale should say 0 when there is no weight on it),

  • always remove your shoes before measuring your weight.

  • The type of clothing you wear or time of day doesn’t matter.

RECORDING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Your blood pressure will help your doctor make sure your pregnancy is developing normally. To get an accurate blood pressure measurement, be sure to:

  • relax for five minutes before taking your blood pressure,

  • sit in a relaxed position (sitting in a chair is best),

  • keep your legs uncrossed,

  • remove any thick clothing from your arm,

  • and rest your arm on a flat surface, keeping it level with your heart.

Don’t forget to read the instructions that come with your blood pressure machine.

The blood pressure cuff we recommend purchasing is called the Omron 3 Series, which can be found at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or any other local drugstore.

HOW TO ENTER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS INTO YOUR CHART

Record these two numbers into your chart:

  1. Your systolic (SYS) blood pressure (the top large number on your blood pressure machine). This is your maximum blood pressure when your heart beats.

  2. Your diastolic (DIA) blood pressure (the lower large number on your blood pressure machine). This is your minimum blood pressure when your heart is relaxed and between beats.